“Indeed,the entertainment sector has been the victim of social distancing long before the arrival of COVID-19.”

This is the sentiment shared by Head of the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organization (TUCO), Lutalo Masimba,   as he calls on the government to consider the future of the creative industry in its Road to Recovery Plan.

In a statement on Thursday, the organization lamented that the sector has faced the greatest impact due to the closure of public spaces, such as concert halls and steelband yards, as well as the cancellation of literature/theater festivals.

“It is therefore extremely essential for our nation’s chantuelles to lift up their voice in unison and sing out a song to attract the attention and provide information for inclusion in the national discussion,” Mr. Masimba said, adding that the apparent lack of consideration for the arts is, unfortunately, in keeping with a continued trend. “This is the sector that boasts of a recording industry 108 years old and is today still lobbying for at least 50% local content on the nation’s airwaves on radio and television,” he said.

Referencing the contribution to GDP the arts has over the years, TUCO is of the view that due attention ought to have been placed on including those who make up its backbone.